Black Bear Kills Calf in West Carroll Parish

Black Bear Kills Calf in West Carroll Parish

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) is investigating the killing of a calf by a black bear in West Carroll Parish. The incident occurred on private property near Epps between sunset Wednesday, April 24 and sunrise Thursday, April 25.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) is investigating the killing of a calf by a black bear in West Carroll Parish. The incident occurred on private property near Epps between sunset Wednesday, April 24 and sunrise Thursday, April 25.

LDWF Wildlife Division staff responded to the reported incident, performing a necropsy to determine the cause of the calf's death. LDWF staff have worked to remove the bear by trapping and to monitor the site in the event the bear returns to feed on the calf carcass. The bear has not yet been trapped, nor has it returned to the site.

This is the first confirmed incident of a bear killing livestock since the department's black bear program was created to restore the threatened species population in Louisiana. "It is unusual for black bears in Louisiana to exhibit predatory behavior. They are primarily opportunistic omnivores, feeding on fruits, nuts, grains, carrion and when available, garbage," said Maria Davidson, LDWF Large Carnivore Program Manager.

The Tensas River basin in the northeast corner of the state is one of three black bear population centers that also include the lower Atchafalaya Basin and Pointe Coupee Parish.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is charged with managing and protecting Louisiana's abundant natural resources. For more information, visit us at www.wlf.louisiana.gov, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ldwffb, or follow us on Twitter @LDWF.